Sales in comparable stores – those open at least 12 months – rose 6.8 percent in the quarter, which ended Aug. 1. Data for comparable stores provide the best measure of year-to-year performance.
That growth comes on top of a 6.5 percent increase in comparable sales in the second quarter of 2008. It also continues Dollar Tree’s momentum during the recession, as shoppers spend more at its all-for-$1 stores on food and other household basics.
Bob Sasser, the retailer’s chief executive, said customers in the second quarter also scooped up health and beauty items, party supplies and “hot summer deals.” Dollar Tree, with headquarters in Chesapeake, plans to release its full quarterly earnings results Aug. 26.
